Category Archives: Recommended Read

October 20, 2011 · 3:00 am

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Title: My One and Only by Kristan Higgins
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mainstream, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: A+ and A Recommended Read

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Just when she thought she had life and love all figured out…

Divorce attorney Harper James can’t catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister’s destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she’s being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.

Harper can’t help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick’s eyes, Harper’s always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend.

The Review:

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins is a delightful second chance at love romance that is light-hearted and full of fun yet heartbreakingly poignant. Harper James and Nick Lowery’s attendance at their siblings’ wedding reveals that while their marriage may be long over, the same cannot be said for their feelings for another. Will their unexpected road trip heal their past hurts, or is this couple doomed to repeat their previous mistakes?

Harper and Nick are wonderfully crafted three dimensional characters whose flaws make them incredibly realistic and likeable. Shaped by the events of her childhood, Harper is cynical about love and relationships, and she carefully guards her fragile heart. Nick’s childhood was equally troubled, yet he is an open, trusting, and unbelievably forgiving man whose single minded pursuit of his goals is easily his best and worst trait.

My One and Only is an extremely well-written novel that quickly engages the reader with fantastic dialogue and a charming cast of primary and secondary characters. The banter between Harper and Nick is witty and sarcastic and it serves to deflect their mutual hurt and resentment over their failed marriage. Neither Harper nor Nick is perfect, and it is their ability to accept responsibility for past mistakes that enables them to forgive one another and move on.

Winsome characters, a lovable dog, and strong family ties provide a great deal of substance to this fast moving and highly entertaining novel. My One and Only by Kristan Higgins keeps the reader alternately laughing and crying as Harper and Nick discover that love can be even better the second time around.

My review was originally posted at The Readers Roundtable

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Filed under Contemporary, HQN Books, Kristan Higgins, My One and Only, Rated A+, Recommended Read, Romance

October 4, 2011 · 3:00 am

Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

Title: Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey
The Kowalskis Book Three
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 70,000 words
Book Rating: A+ and a Recommended Read

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he’s recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother’s upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn’t like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma’s offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there’s no chance he’ll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he’s not planning to call home.

Emma’s not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his “pretend” kisses are.

The Review:

There is nothing I love more than a family based series and Shannon Stacey’s Kowalski series is at the top of my favorites list. Fun loving, teasing, and fiercely loyal, the members of this family have always got one another’s backs, no matter what. Yours to Keep will have you grinning from ear to ear and laughing out loud as the Kowalski family good naturedly lends their assistance convincing Emma’s grandmother that Sean and Emma’s engagement is on the up and up.

Emma Shaw and Sean Kowalski are well –drawn, vibrant characters. Emma is a successful, hardworking woman who is self confident and despite Sean’s first impression of her, quite sane. Sean is just like the other Kowalski family males. He is a sports loving, beer drinking guy who does not like to think, let alone talk, about feelings and other mushy stuff. His best quality is that he appreciates the different facets of Emma’s personality, and he is willing to tell her that.

As with Ms. Stacey’s other books in this fabulous series, the Kowalski family is right in the thick of things giving unsolicited advice and laughing over Sean’s predicament. But they always have his best interests at heart, and he does not hesitate to seek their counsel when he most needs it.

Emma’s grandmother, Cat, is absolutely divine. The secondary storyline with her old friend Russell Walker is quite touching and a little bittersweet. Cat is one sharp lady who knows her granddaughter well, and she is willing to give Emma and Sean a push when the occasion calls for it.

Brimming with humor and sparkling dialogue, Shannon Stacey engages her readers with a unique storyline and delightful characters. Yours to Keep is refreshingly light and drama free, and it is the perfect book to curl up with and escape from normal everyday life.

This review is also posted at The Readers Roundtable

4 Comments

Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Kowalski Family, Rated A+, Recommended Read, Romance, Shannon Stacey, Yours to Keep

September 18, 2011 · 12:27 am

Friday’s Feature: Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman

Title: Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: A+ and a Recommended Read

Summary:

A moving love story set in the Canadian wilderness, Mrs. Mike is a classic tale that has enchanted millions of readers worldwide. It brings the fierce, stunning landscape of the Great North to life-and tenderly evokes the love that blossoms between Sergeant Mike Flannigan and beautiful young Katherine Mary O’Fallon.

My Thoughts:

Have you ever read a book where the characters never quite leave you and you are compelled to read their story again and again? Mrs. Mike is that book for me. I discovered this book as a teenager at our local library, and I can’t count how many times I’ve read it over the years.

Originally published in 1947, this wonderful love story is a fictionalized biography based on the lives of Katherine Mary Flannigan and Canadian Mountie Mike Flannigan. It is the touching and poignant story of their marriage and their life in the vast Canadian wilderness. It details the hardships and heartbreaking losses they suffered during the early years of their marriage. Benedict and Nancy Freedman bring their story vividly to life and paint a vibrant portrait of the beautiful yet harsh Canadian countryside.

I love, love, love this novel. It is packed with emotions that still move me to this day. No matter how many times I’ve read Mrs. Mike, my heart still breaks and I cry when the unimaginable happens. I rejoice with Mike and Kathy as they celebrate life’s triumphs. And I am always a little sad when their magnificent story comes to a close.

If you have not read Mrs. Mike then you are missing out one of the most beautiful and captivating love stories ever written. Make room on your keeper shelf for this breathtaking novel that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

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Filed under Benedict & Nancy Freedman, Berkely Trade, Friday Feature, Historical, Mrs. Mike, Rated A+, Recommended Read, Romance